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Thursday, March 26, 2015

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the World's Largest Youth Livestock Show the Oklahoma Youth Expo. At the bottom of this post you will see a video that I took of the market steer show. These families work so hard on their livestock projects all year long and it an amazing experience for the young people. Watch all the way to the end to see their expressions when selected champion.

Oklahoma City also means catching up with some of my best girl friends and of course some shopping. Since my trip last year Kendra Scott has opened a store, so I couldn't wait to check it out. I added quite a few Kendra Scott pieces to my wardrobe last year, but it is her turquoise jewelry that I truly love.

Plus, this whole blog post will be worth reading because of this little secret. During your birthday month you get 50% of one item! Music to my ears. I am pretty sure it is in store only, but I could be wrong. Anyways it was a very happy birthday to me. (Yes, it was my 30th birthday last Sunday).

I really liked both of these new Kendra Scott Styles. The top are the Lee Earrings. I love how petite they are compared to lots of the other larger earrings Kendra Scott is know for. One of the things I like the most about Kendra Scott is that her jewelry comes in almost every color you can image. Buy a black dress or shirt and then just change your jewels and you'll be set. The other earring are called Elsie Studs. These were beautiful, with little diamonds around the outside. They retail for $175, which is a little spendy. I almost used my 50% off on them but decided they were a little fancy and probably won't wear them enough to justify the price.

So what did I purchase? This little dainty turquoise necklace called Elisa, and I love it! It is the perfect everyday necklace, but looks great layered with some of my longer pieces. And if gold isn't your thing it also comes in silver. I bought one other pair of earrings, but I'll reveal those a little later on because they are part of my Kentucky Derby outfit. Yes, the boy and my parents are going to the Derby. I am so excited and can't wait for our trip. I've been trying to make a decision on a hat and my dress should be here this week! Have you ever bought a Derby style hat? Any advice?

Monday, March 23, 2015

On our farm our cows get baths. Not all of them, but the ones that get shown at a sale or an event like the Iowa State Fair do. Part of the reason is they are purebred animals and have a registration paper just like a purebred dog would. In February we showed and sold two of our animal. A bull that was sold to another breeder. He'll go on a start breeding cows this spring. And a heifer that a young boy nought and he will continue to show her through the summer and fall. Then at around 24 months of age she'll have her first baby.

For Christmas the Boy got a GoPro and he decided to put it to use before sale day, and catch what bath time really looks like.

After we wash them, they get blown dry. If we leave them wet they could get sick, just like a kid going outside with wet hair. Got to keep our livestock happy and healthy!

Saturday, March 14, 2015

I am turning 30...this week! There is something that just made that a lot more real as I typed it. I am pretty sure I don't have a problem turning 30. I've accomplished some pretty amazing things in these 30 years. There are also some things that I thought I would have had done by now, but that is ok. I guess that is what act two and three are for. What kind of reaction did you have when you turned 30, or maybe you are still approaching? Thankful the Boy turned 30 last summer, so he's slightly ahead of me.

If you have been following Crystal Cattle for awhile you'll know that I love make-up. And for those that are new I firmly believe there is nothing wrong with wearing lipstick or mascara while working on our farm. The cows certainly don't seem to mind. And since it is my birthday it seemed like a perfect time for another swap.

My Crystal Cattle Beauty Swaps are an opportunity to meet women from all over the country (we've had some Canadian girls swap too), and get to try out beauty products that we might not necessary buy for ourselves. I am pretty sure stock in EOS lip balm, Benefit Fakeup concealer and Neutrogena make-up removal wipes have all risen since the beginning of our beauty swaps.

So how does a Beauty Swap work? Once you have signed up we’ll pair you with another beauty loving blogger (or someone that enjoys Twitter or Instagram). You’ll have a little bit of time to get to know your new social media friend, and then you’ll send each other a gift of beauty products. Sign up for the Beauty Swap will take place March 14-March 23, 2014. I’ll send out the pairings by March 24. Get to know your partner and then be sure to get your package in the mail by April 6. It is really important to follow these deadlines as we have had a few Beauty Swappers send their packages off and get nothing in return :(

Once you have received your box start testing out your new beauty product. We'll host a link up on April 22. It is fun to link up and read all about everyone else's finds. Here are link ups from Beauty Swap I, Beauty Swap II, Beauty Swap III, Beauty Swap IV and Beauty Swap V. You don't have to have a blog to participate, but we do ask that you have a social media way to communicate and join in on the fun. Use the hashtag #ccbeautyswap on Twitter or Instagram. Below is a list of a few rules and guidelines. I ask that you try and stick to the rules as closely as possible.

2. Email your partner within 72 hours of receiving your match. If you haven’t heard from your match after three days are up, let Crystal know and we’ll try and pair you with someone else.

3. Be sure to ask your partner questions about their likes and disklikes, products they like to use, skin tone, preferred colors, etc. or maybe they want to be surprised!

4. Each box should contain a min. of $20 worth of product. Please include one full size item. You may also include samples of products with your one full size item. (I really encourage you to look at some of the past Beauty Swap Reviews to get an idea of how much to send/spend).

5. Items must be new, unless you’ve discussed this with your partner. (Perhaps she loves purple nail polish and you have bottle you know you won’t use anymore.)

6. Packages must be shipped by April 6. If possible it is a good idea to get a tracking number incase something gets lost.

7. Once you receive your package create a post revealing what you received and link up with us on April 22.

8. Since this Beauty Swap coincides with my 30th birthday, think of ways you can incorporate the number 30 (30 M&M, 30 hair elastics, etc).

8. If you do not follow the rules you may forfeit you right to participate in future Beauty Swaps. Crystal Cattle has the right to refuse participation for any reason.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

It is springtime in Iowa! Yes, technically it is not quite March 21. However, the sun has been shining for multiple days straight, we've got lots of baby Hereford calves on the ground and there is mud, so I know spring is almost here.

I have included a few essentials that are needed on any farm during the spring in this Turquoise Thursday.

- A good hoodie is definitely necessary. The mornings are still cold, but the warm days don't require a winter jacket anymore.

- Rubber boots are a definite necessity. I won't lie my rubber boots are NOT this fancy, however I think the cows would think these are cute.

- A good hat or hair elastics (yes, I've been told I may be the only person to call a ponytail a hair elastic, maybe it the Canadian in me?) are very important. You never know when your husband is going to wake you up at 4 a.m. and tell you to get your but outside because a cow is calving.

This situation happened recently when we had a cow calving and the calf was coming backwards. Calves should be born head first not butt first. The cow wasn't going to be able to push the baby's hips out on her own in this position so we had to help pull the calf.

With a couple tugs this guys was welcomed to the world. He is now doing great, and outside enjoying the spring weather.

What are your spring essentials? I'm headed to Oklahoma City for a yearly work trip next week. I am excited to be attending the largest youth livestock show, the Oklahoma Youth Expo. I am also excited to sneak some shopping in and chats with good friends!

About Me

These are just a few of the stories that make up the life of an ag girl. I have a passion for agriculture, and want to see farmers remain on the land, raising food for all of us. You'll also get a dash of cattle life from around the country as I travel for work, and some commentary on my hectic life. I love photography, video production, K-State (yes I bleed purple), the livestock industry and have bounced from Alberta, to Kansas, to Missouri, to Iowa. Stay tuned. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @crystalcattle